Upgrading from NVidia GeForce 9500 GT video card
 

Hi there --

I am planning on upgrading the video card in my computer, an NVidia GeForce 9500 GT video card, to something that can handle at least 1600x1200 24-bit resolution without noticeable choppiness other "slow-downs" in graphic display. The card in question does have one gigabyte of RAM, but the type of memory it utilizes is DDR2 instead of something, i.e. DDR3 and above, with greater speed. Admittedly, the system in question is used for gaming as well as work.

I want to stick with the NVidia brand because it has worked well for me, but I am not sure what would be the correct line of cards to use. Can someone provide feedback on this?

The card you already have should be able to handle your mentioned desktop resolution, even with 3D-effects enabled, without any slowdowns.
Regarding your questions what new card you should buy, we need more info to handle this:
1. What types of games do you want to play, in which resolution with which quality settings?
2. How much money do you want to spend?
3. What is the type of your CPU and your PSU?

Hi there --

Thanks for your reply. To answer your questions:

The games I play include military strategy as well as first person that place a great amount of detail to scenery that is present on the battlefield and elsewhere.
The amount of money I am looking to spend should not exceed $150.00
The PSU of my system is rated at 600 watts.

If you need further information, please let me know.

Than I would go for a GTS450 (1 GB) or a GTX460 (768MB).

First, I would make sure that card is running at maximum potential, because it is a great card that should not have any problems with most games.

Install the latest nvidia drivers and in nvidia-settings make sure to have:
Sync to VBlank (prevents tearing) (check both options, yes there are 2)
Image settings = High quality
Texture Sharpening

For playing videos make sure to use VDPAU.

If, for some strange reason, it is still lagging and it is because the card is slow, you can always overclock it a good bit and stay stable.